International forum calls for focus on disaster recovery

Globally, natural disasters have caused damages of nearly $4 trillion over the past 30 years—and the frequency and intensity of these powerful storms, droughts and earthquakes continue to rise. Leaders from developing countries, civil society, private sector and agencies including the World Bank, European Union and United Nations are coming together this week to discuss how vulnerable countries can better prepare and protect hard won development gains by establishing recovery strategies and processes before disaster strikes. Carefully executed disaster recovery programs, however, present an opportunity to build back stronger and more resilient economies.